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Versant

Versant is the brand name for a spin-off company that incorporates Comcast’s cable networks — MS NOW, CNBC, E!, SyFy, USA Network and Golf Channel (but not Bravo) — and certain digital properties like Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes. In January 2026, Versant also acquired Free TV Networks, a multicast operator founded by Jonathan Katz.

Versant is headquartered in New York City. The CEO of Versant is Mark Lazarus.

The logo of streaming service Philo adorns the wall of its San Francisco-based office. (Photo by Matthew Keys for The Desk)

Philo forges distribution deal with Versant for multicast channels

Three channels from Versant's Free TV Networks are now available on Philo's free programming tier.

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Versant brings in $6.7 billion during 2025

Versant executives said 80 percent of its current revenue comes from pay TV providers that distribute its cable networks; MS NOW has seen strong viewership since its rebrand last year.

EARNINGS REPORT
A graphic that shows the Free TV Networks logo.

Versant inks Free TV Networks distribution deal with Paramount, Sling

Two Versant-owned multicast networks are now on CBS-owned stations across the country, and a streaming channel is now offered by Sling Freestream.

Paramount ends Fave TV, replaces feeds with Versant multicast networks

Paramount has quietly pulled the plug on Fave TV, its multicast network that served as a barker channel for programming found on its streaming apps.

FIRST ON THE DESK
A utility truck for Comcast's Xfinity TV and Internet service as pictured in Sacramento, California.

Comcast revenue weighed by ongoing losses at Xfinity TV, Xfinity Internet; Peacock grows

Comcast posted mixed financial results for its fourth quarter (Q4), beating Wall Street expectations on overall earnings while narrowly missing revenue forecasts from the period.

EARNINGS REPORT
Free TV Networks operates a number of broadcast-first multicast networks. (Courtesy image)

Versant completes acquisition of Free TV Networks

Versant has finalized the acquisition of Free TV Networks, the broadcast-focused media company founded by industry veteran Jonathan Katz.

The West Coast headquarters of Comcast and NBC Universal at 10 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, California. (Photo by Matthew Keys for The Desk)

Comcast completes spin-out of cable networks into Versant

Comcast completed the spin-off of its cable networks into Versant Media Group, which began trading publicly under the ticker VSNT.

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CNBC to roll out new logo on December 13

Versant has lifted the curtain on a new logo for its business affairs network CNBC that moves away from the branding of NBC Universal while committing itself to a digital-first future.

Live events, similar to "MSNBC Live" when the channel was under Comcast's ownership, will be part of the forthcoming MS NOW subscription service. (Courtesy image)

Versant to launch MS NOW subscription service with live news, events

Versant will launch the progressive equivalent of Fox Nation next summer, just in time for the midterm election.

Free TV Networks operates a number of broadcast-first multicast networks. (Courtesy image)

Versant acquires Free TV Networks for broadcast, FAST businesses

Comcast's spin-out business Versant has acquired Free TV Networks as it plots a push into broadcasting and the development of a FAST service.

The logo of USA Sports. (Courtesy image, Graphic by The Desk)

Versant unveils brand identity refresh for USA Sports

USA Sports will exist as the flagship brand for live sports programming across Comcast's cable networks that are being separated into Versant.

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AccuWeather to provide forecasting to MS NOW, CNBC

MS NOW and CNBC will gain access to reporters and forecasts from AccuWeather as part of the new multi-year partnership.

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